Is it Safe to Use Exterior Paint Inside?

20 Nov Is it Safe to Use Exterior Paint Inside?

The simple answer is no. Using exterior paint indoors is unsafe because it can release dangerous airborne chemicals. The additives that make it resilient outside can harm your family’s health when used indoors. (If you have already used exterior paint inside, we recommend using primer on the walls and applying interior paint over the exterior paint.)

Exterior vs. Interior Paint

The main difference between exterior and interior paint is the resins that exterior paint contains. Exterior paint is made to withstand temperature fluctuations and resist mildew from moisture. Exterior paint resin is more durable and better able to resist chipping, peeling, and fading from sunlight than interior paint resins, designed to make interior walls scrubbable and stain-resistant. While the durability of exterior paints might make it tempting to use indoors, please do not use it inside.

Why Exterior Paint Used Indoors is Harmful

Exterior paint is not formulated for indoor use and should not be used on drywall. Exterior paint is made to withstand extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow, heat, wind, and freezing temperatures. It contains resins that help the paint expand and contract to protect it against changing weather conditions. It also has additives to help it resist fading and discoloration from UV rays and decay. These substances can be harmful to your health indoors.

• High VOCs—Exterior paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be released into the air as gases. Exterior acrylic paint, particularly, contains more VOCs than interior paint. The VOCs emitted in an enclosed space can cause breathing problems for people with asthma or allergies. Note that exterior paint can continue releasing harmful toxins even after it dries.
• More susceptible to deterioration – Exterior paint used indoors is more likely to deteriorate and blemish than interior paint.

FAQS

1. Can you use exterior latex paint inside? Do not use exterior latex paint inside because of the VOCs we’ve just described.
2. Can you use exterior paint inside a garage? No, due to the long drying times and unhealthy fumes during painting and drying times.
3. Can you use exterior acrylic paint inside? Do not use any exterior paint inside.
4. Can I use exterior paint inside my bathroom? Nope, for the same reasons we’ve outlined.
5. Can I use exterior paint for any purpose inside? Still no. Never use exterior paint indoors for any reason.

Exterior paint should never be used for interior painting. If you have any painting needs, Home Works Painting is happy to talk about them with you and see if or how we can help you.

Mike Katounas